patronage
noun
pa·tron·age
ˈpa-trə-nij 
ˈpā-
ˈpā-
1
: advowson
2
: the support or influence of a patron
the patronage of science by universities
3
: kindness done with an air of superiority
The prince deigned to bestow his patronage on the composer.
4
: business or activity provided by patrons
the new branch library is expected to have a heavy patronage
5
a
: the power to make appointments to government jobs especially for political advantage
oust his enemies from office and use the patronage to support his policies—
H. K. Beale
H. K. Beale
b
: the distribution of jobs on the basis of patronage
The governor filled the vacated positions through patronage.
c
: jobs distributed by patronage
the government's vast network of patronage
Examples of patronage in a Sentence
The college relied on the patronage of its wealthy graduates to expand its funds.
They thanked her for her patronage of the new hospital.
The city should do more to encourage patronage of local businesses.
a system of political patronage
Recent Examples on the Web
Your patronage will help refugees and victims in the Middle East.
Details: noon-6 p.m., St. Anthony of Padua, 2530 Victory Parkway, Walnut Hills.
—Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Nobody knows this more than Royal Copenhagen’s creative director Jasper Toron Nielsen, who joined the company founded long ago under the patronage of Queen Juliane Marie in 1775.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
The filing comes days after four high-ranking former New York City police officials filed a separate suit alleging that Adams doled out patronage promotions and a culture of cronyism in the NYPD, according to the Associated Press.
—James Powel, USA Today, 17 July 2025
Sonic Guild evolves symphony patronage model Since 2013, Sonic Guild has supported the creation and performance of new music with over $6 million in grants and direct payments to local musicians.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronage
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Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Nobody knows this more than Royal Copenhagen’s creative director Jasper Toron Nielsen, who joined the company founded long ago under the patronage of Queen Juliane Marie in 1775.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
The filing comes days after four high-ranking former New York City police officials filed a separate suit alleging that Adams doled out patronage promotions and a culture of cronyism in the NYPD, according to the Associated Press.
—James Powel, USA Today, 17 July 2025
Sonic Guild evolves symphony patronage model Since 2013, Sonic Guild has supported the creation and performance of new music with over $6 million in grants and direct payments to local musicians.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronage
Cite this Entry
“Patronage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patronage. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
patronage
noun
pa·tron·age
ˈpa-trə-nij
ˈpā-
ˈpā-
1
: the support or influence of a patron
2
: business or activity provided by patrons
3
: the power to give out government jobs, contracts, or favors
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